It all began, Wood explains, when a man received a request from the IRS requesting more time to process his audit. It is usually in a taxpayer’s best interest to accede to such a request, although a time limit can be set. “It’s easier if you have an accountant or a lawyer handling it,” Wood opines. A consent to extend is very common, but limitations are possible. Getting personally involved can lead taxpayers into difficulties.

The taxpayer was very stressed because of a divorce and the tax audit. In this case, the taxpayer “sort of went off the deep end” and made death threats by voicemail. He now faces up to twenty years in prison and, as Wood points out, his tax debts won’t go away. Threatening a federal employee is a serious offense.